1973: Kiss Shocks and Awes the World

Neil Vazquez | Do You Remember

Kiss-SliderContrary to popular belief, Kiss was not just about the makeup—it was the about the pyrotechnics, fake blood and high heels. Formed in 1973, the band made a name for themselves as a part of the glam rock-movement in a similar vein to the androgynous antics of the New York Dolls and Alice Cooper. So how exactly did a couple of guys who look like RuPaul’s Drag Race rejects become the idols of half the male population of the United States? Kick-ass guitar licks and Satan worship, that’s how.

Though they’ve enjoyed commercial success, Kiss has had a rough go of it on the critical side. Luckily, last week they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—alongside Nirvana, Peter Gabriel and Cat Stevens, among others—after a nearly 15-year snub by the exclusive club of aging rock stars. For hardcore fans, the honor was a long time coming for Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter. Here we look at the long career of a band who fused pageantry and theatrics with a hard-rock edge.

On The Mike Douglas Show

Kiss’ second television performance, on The Mike Douglas Show, was also coupled with Simmons’ first on-camera interview. True to his demon character, he scared an uncomfortable audience with his trademark tongue wagging, prompting comedian Totie

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Paul Stanley Book Signing @ Bookends, Ridgewood, New Jersey

Gus Griesinger | Backstage Axxess

Paul Stanley is in the midst of a book signing for his autobiography “Face the Music a A Life Exposed. He stopped by Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ a day before his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Stanley showed up well over an hour early to sign a whopping 500 pre sold books in Bookends back room. at 6pm sharp, Stanley came downstairs to pose for the media with the book for about 30 or so seconds before diving right into the signing. People started lining up at 5am. For about 3 hours, Stanley signed another 600 books and did a quick pose with book purchasers. We even got his guitar tech Francis Steuber to pose with the book.

Click HERE to see the photo gallery.